You are quite the conspiracy theorist.
There is a limit to what league/TV can manipulate. WNBA was thrilled with Clark in Indiana. Midwestern girl in the ultimate midwestern market, virtually guaranteeing attention and sellouts.
By manipulating the front end of the schedule to get Clark on TV, however, they almost sunk Indiana by starting them out 1-8.
The only thing they can do to move Paige is to support a trade. Washington and Golden State have enough ammo.
I doubt this will happen though, so Paige will have to rely on new mgt in Dallas to get it right. Dallas is a great market for a star.
Physicality? After watching CC in WNBA last year, I am now quite comfortable right from day 1. Paige is actually very similar to Clark in both stature and skills. Like Clark she will get banged around, but that won't stop her from being effective.